According to this Economic Report compiled by the Hudson Institute, 2010 is ending better than it began in the United States.

First, with the increase in retail sales by 0.8 percent in November, 1.2 percent excluding auto sales, data show that the American consumer is ready to go shopping.

Second, there was positive movement on the new housing starts front. Privately-owned housing starts in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 555,000, which is 3.9 percent above the revised October estimate of 534,000. Even though this is 5.8 percent lower than last year’s rate of 589,000, it’s still a movement in the right direction.

Third, consumer and producer price indices released by the US Department of Labor indicate that inflation remains moderate and has not descended into deflation.

Finally, the job market continues to improve, albeit slightly.